9 things to do in and around Luton

If you are looking for something to do this weekend or are visiting Luton and want to find out more about this famous and iconic town, here are 9 suggestions which are either in, or close to the area.

Wrest Park

Wrest Park is a country estate located near Silsoe which comprises Wrest Park, a Grade I listed country house, and Wrest Park Gardens, also Grade I listed, formal gardens surrounding the mansion. If the house looks familiar, you may have seen it featured in the music video for Lily Allen’s 2008 song, “The Fear”.

The estate is run by English Heritage, and further information can be found on its website.

Dunstable Downs and the Whipsnade Estate

Dunstable Downs is a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and as well as two Scheduled Ancient Monuments (Five Knolls and Medieval Rabbit Warrens) there are many other historical features and the site has much to offer you.

The chalk grasslands of the Downs, which are within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the highest point in Bedfordshire, have miles of footpaths and several circular walks, a fascinating history and an abundance of plants and wildlife.

It offers ideal conditions for a variety of air sports, especially kite flying, but on calmer days it’s also the ideal site to enjoy the view and a picnic.

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Stockwood Discovery Centre is a free to enter attraction offering beautiful gardens, an award winning display of carriages, extensive and ever changing exhibition exhibits and collections as well as a children’s playground. There is a garden cafe to grab a drink or a bit to eat during your visit. Details of seasonal exhibits and activities can be found on their website.

Ascott

This half-timbered Jacobean farmhouse was transformed by the de Rothschilds towards the end of the 19th century and now houses an exceptional collection of paintings, fine furniture and superb oriental porcelain.

The extensive gardens are an attractive mix of formal and natural, with specimen trees and shrubs and some unusual features. More information is available on the National Trust website.

Woodside Animal Farm and Leisure Park

Woodside Animal Farm gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with a selection of animals.During a visit, you could have the opportunity to feed, pet and even cuddle them during their ‘Cuddly Encounters’ hands on sessions.

Along with a wide range of farm, zoo and exotic animals there are tractor and trailer rides, animal demonstrations, a mini fun fair, crazy golf and outdoor play fun areas. For rainy days there’s a heated indoor soft play centre and cafe serving hot meals and snacks, a selection of drinks, cakes and treats. You can also visit the award winning poultry centre. More information is available on their website.

Shaw’s Corner

Playwright, politician, philosopher and wit George Bernard Shaw lived in this Edwardian villa for over 40 years from 1906. He moved in during the height of his fame, and today, his home remains much as he left it. You can walk from room to room, enjoying the beautiful Arts and Crafts interiors, and finding fascinating links with the past. The tranquil gardens are a restorative and relaxing place all year round.

More information on Shaw’s Corner is available on the National Trust website.

Sharpenhoe

Sharpenhoe comprises four adjacent countryside areas to the north of Luton, which are Sundon Hills, Moleskin and Markham Hills, Sharpenhoe Clappers and Smithcombe Hills.

There is a lovely picnic area located adjacent to Sundon Hills’ car park which has benches if you don’t want to sit on the grass.

Reputedly haunted, Sharpenhoe Clappers is a classic chalk escarpment and part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is crowned with traces of an Iron Age hill-fort and an impressive beech wood.

It is also worth checking out the old chalk quarry and savour the views along the ridge of hills. During summer months, you can walk through the mass of flowers and butterflies in the quarry itself.

You can find more information on Sharpenhoe on the National Trust website.

Wardown Park Museum

Wardown Park Museum is free to enter and provides visitors with a rich collection of Luton centric exhibits. As well as tracing Luton’s history, it also follows the development of Luton industries including an ever changing display of hat and lace collection. Depending on the time of year, there are seasonal exhibitions and activities on offer which are listed on the website.

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral

This incredible Tree Cathedral, was created from trees, shrubs and plants after the First World War in the spirit of ‘faith, hope and reconciliation’.

Admission to the Tree Cathedral is free and you can find more information from the National Trust website.

Do you have a suggestion for a place to visit or an activity to take part in around the Luton area? Let us know in the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.